Knowra Haloalkane Haloalkane A haloalkane is an alkane in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms. Its carbon–halogen bonds give it characteristic chemical reactions and physical properties.
Nucleophilic substitution : A reaction in which a nucleophile replaces a leaving group bonded to an electrophilic atom. Many haloalkanes react when a nucleophile replaces their halogen atom.
Alkane : A saturated hydrocarbon containing only carbon–carbon single bonds and carbon–hydrogen bonds. Replacing one or more alkane hydrogens with halogens produces haloalkanes.
Chlorofluorocarbon : A compound containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, formerly used widely as a refrigerant and propellant. This haloalkane family became a major source of stratospheric ozone depletion.
Nucleophilic addition : A reaction in which a nucleophile adds to a multiple bond, typically converting it into a single bond. Unlike substitution at a haloalkane’s saturated carbon, this reaction adds across a multiple bond.
Ozone depletion : The reduction of ozone concentration in the stratosphere, including the seasonal Antarctic ozone hole. Chlorine released from some haloalkanes catalytically destroys stratospheric ozone.
SN1 reaction : A nucleophilic substitution mechanism in which bond cleavage forms a carbocation before nucleophile attachment. Tertiary haloalkanes can undergo substitution through a relatively stable carbocation intermediate.
Halogen : An element in group 17 of the periodic table, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. The identity of the attached halogen changes bond properties and reaction patterns.
Dichloromethane : A volatile chlorinated solvent with the formula CH₂Cl₂. This widely used haloalkane illustrates both solvent utility and health hazards.
Electrophilic substitution : A reaction in which an electrophile replaces an atom or group, commonly on an aromatic ring. This substitution pathway contrasts with nucleophilic replacement of halide in haloalkanes.
Montreal Protocol : A 1987 international treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances and protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The treaty drove the global phaseout of many ozone-depleting haloalkanes.
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